There is an exciting and emerging digital and technology industry in Murihiku Southland which is driven by the innovative and curious spirit of our people alongside new and emerging technologies.
However, many opportunities are in their infancy such as Space Operations New Zealand (and the Satellite Ground Station at Awarua) and the proposed development of two data centres. Our focus will be to ensure we build a strong ecosystem which will support these and many other digital and technology opportunities to thrive. It is also important that we continue to facilitate connections between potential capital investors and start-up ventures to encourage investment opportunities in this emerging sector. A key area of focus is how we process data and associated digital infrastructure.
The region has many small-to-medium sized businesses and supporting them to operate more efficiently, including using lean techniques, is vital to our economic growth. There are a range of opportunities already on offer in the region, and continuing to promote these and showcase innovative businesses will support continued improvement.
We also acknowledge that industries of the future and solutions to our workforce challenges won’t necessarily be labour based, so we are trying to understand how technology and automation can play a role.